Logistics Manager Job Interview Tips

The logistics manager job interview, is a professional level interview, based on a very wide range of tasks. In most cases the interviews will need to cover the entire range of functions of the position.

You can see a good representative mix of logistics manager jobs on Fleethelper, a major US transport jobs site. These job ads can also give a good indication of packages, duties, and ranges of options in the logistics field.

Logistics Manager Job Interview Tips

This is a very competitive professional field, so you’ll need to give yourself time to prepare thoroughly, working section by section of the job description.

These sections include:

Supply chain entity coordination

Staff management, evaluation, and hiring processes

Financial management

Business management

Scheduling

Operational management of deliveries and receiving goods

Warehouse operations and systems

It’s also strongly advised to research the employer, and ensure you can show a good working knowledge of the business and operational issues to interviewers.

Logistics Manager Job Interview Questions

Please note: Interviews may have to be done in stages, covering specific sections of the job responsibilities.

This is a broad based set of sample questions.

This position requires familiarity with a fully automated warehouse, including an integrated accounts database. Can you tell us about your experience working with these systems?

This question requires a full answer detailing particular systems you’ve worked with in the past. The interviewers evaluate this experience in relation to the job requirements.

How do you motivate staff?

Motivation is a key management requirement, and your answer should stress strong values like positive reinforcement for performance, training in higher duties, and other incentives.

Give us an example of client relationship management in a problem scenario in which the client has a legitimate reason for complaint.

Customer relationships are a key point in logistics manager jobs. This is also a problem solving question, requiring you to illustrate the situation, define the customer relationship issues, and how you solved the problem.

How do you promote Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace?

OHS is critically important in all areas of supply chain work. You need to cite a working example of full OHS awareness programs, including training where required.

On what basis would you fire a staff member?

The only lawful bases for dismissal are well defined into types:

Misconduct

Performance

Theft or fraud (A real problem in supply chains)

Drug or alcohol abuse

Important: Please note that you must also refer to employer guidelines and staff policies for these issues.

Give us an example of a performance management method which provides staff options for additional work.

Some forms of performance management encourage increased participation by staff, involving training programs, extra duties on a career track basis, and other incentives. Your answer needs to outline clear standards in this approach.

What do you bring to our business, in terms of values?

This is an open ended question, and you can use it very effectively as a statement of your abilities. You will need to address each area of the logistics manager job’s responsibilities, showing strong values and experience in each area.